This unique peer focused group creates a safe space for individuals to learn various skills through Equine Assisted Learning activities. Individuals with Autism or differently abled participants are able to experience socialization in a whole new way. By incorporating the horses our participants learn how the horses interact and communicate. This allows for conversation to open up regarding the group and how they interact, think and feel. 

Our Facilitator and Equine Specialists create simple activities that guide the group to learn. These activities support learning and increase overall development for the participants. 

Gross Motor: The terrain at the barn is uneven, rocky and the arena is full of sand. Simply walking around the property increases overall strength, motor planning skills and core strength. 

Fine Motor: Horses need to be halters, water faucets need turned on, brushes are used and manes are braided. All of these tasks require fine motor skills. 

Expressive: Participants learn the importance of their voice when working with their relationship horse. The horses can respond to verbal cues and participants are naturally encouraged to speak up so the horse will hear them. 

Receptive: Participants will learn about daily objects and animals on the farm. They will also be asked to follow simple tasks. 

Cognitive: We ask simple directions, multistep directions as well as have individuals work on problem solving skills.

Social-Emotional: We encourage peer to peer interactions. We start a group with open-ended questions to create safe conversations. While interacting with the horses, we place two participants together and have them complete tasks as a team. 

In using our horses we create safe, interactive and play focused activities that allow our Barn Buddies to reach their fullest potentials.